News & Updates from Federation

A Lesson I’ve Carried Since 1987

Friday, July 10

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

From delivering hidden Hebrew dictionaries to Soviet refuseniks in 1987 to visiting Jewish communities in Georgia and Ukraine today, this journey reflects the enduring power of global Jewish solidarity and the impact of Federation's commitment to supporting Jewish life across borders.

What Mexico Taught Me About the Global Jewish Community

Wednesday, July 8

Jessika Wellisch, Co-Chair, Federation's Women's Philanthropy Mexico City Mission

When I joined Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy mission to Mexico City, I expected to learn about another Jewish community. Instead, I discovered how deeply connected we are—and how the shared calling to build, create, and strengthen Jewish life continues to shape our future.

The Desk Between Us

Wednesday, July 8

Valerie Landis, Associate Director, Donor Engagement, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

When Valerie completed her Federation interview writing exercise, she didn’t realize she was sitting at the same desk where her grandfather once wrote fundraising appeals for United Jewish Appeal. His legacy of service quietly became part of her own journey in Jewish communal life.

Pride, Israel, and Building Bridges Through Shlichut

Wednesday, July 1

Chen, Federation Community Shlicha

There was one unforgettable moment during the Pozez JCC Pride celebration that reminded me how powerful acceptance can be. Through Israeli stories, personal connection, and shared experiences, the evening showed how community, belonging, and love can build lasting bridges between people and Israel.

Choosing to Build

Monday, June 29

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Jewish America stands at a pivotal crossroads as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. This reflection explores democracy, Jewish identity, polarization, antisemitism, and the responsibilities that will shape the next era of American Jewish life

Why I Leaned into the NoVA Leadership Cohort

Monday, June 29

Jesse Reisman, NoVA Leadership Cohort Participant

After experiencing Jewish communities across North America and Israel, Jesse Reisman, NoVA Leadership Cohort Participant, found something unique in Northern Virginia: a Federation leadership program that builds lasting relationships, practical leadership skills, and a stronger, more connected Jewish community.

Venezuela Earthquake Situation Update

Friday, June 26

Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)

The Summer That Shapes a Lifetime

Wednesday, June 24

Jewish summer camp helps children build lifelong friendships, leadership skills, and a strong connection to Jewish life. Through One Happy Camper grants and need-based financial aid, Federation is helping more families access safe, joyful, and transformative Jewish camp experiences.

The Work Behind Safe Jewish Spaces

Tuesday, June 23

Learn how JShield’s expanded security leadership is helping protect and strengthen Jewish life throughout Greater Washington.

We’re Wired for Connection

Monday, June 22

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Thank goodness for basketball, soccer, and even aliens. Reflecting on the joy of shared experiences, this message explores how connection, belonging, and collective purpose strengthen communities and inspire Federation’s work to build meaningful relationships across Jewish life.

The Jewish Connections I Never Expected to Find in Greece

Wednesday, June 17

Aaron Feldman, National Young Leadership Cabinet Member

A rainy Next Gen gathering became a powerful reminder of Jewish community, continuity, and connection. As Federation’s Senior Director, Financial Resource Development, Sarah Green reflects on leadership, philanthropy, and building relationships that will sustain Jewish life for generations.

How We Build a Community That Outlasts the Storm

Monday, June 15

Sarah Green, Senior Director, Financial and Resource Development

A rainy Next Gen gathering became a powerful reminder of Jewish community, continuity, and connection. As Federation’s Senior Director, Financial Resource Development, Sarah Green reflects on leadership, philanthropy, and building relationships that will sustain Jewish life for generations.

Our Future Is in Good Hands

Friday, June 12

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Federation’s Annual Meeting offered a powerful reminder of what makes Jewish Greater Washington extraordinary: people who invest in one another, lead with purpose, and help build a strong future through service, leadership, and community responsibility.

Helping Possibility Take Root

Friday, June 5

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

A blooming lemon tree becomes a reflection on faith, possibility, and the future of Jewish life. As uncertainty grows, the challenge is not only to confront what is probable, but to nurture what is possible and help it take root.

Find Your People with JLive

Tuesday, June 2

Jewish life is thriving across Northern Virginia, but finding it can be challenging. Through a new partnership between the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Pozez JCC, JLive will make it easier to discover events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Shaping Jewish Life on Our Own Terms

Friday, May 29

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

At a time when Jewish life in the DMV is both flourishing and facing renewed antisemitism, this reflection explores the tension many Jews feel between pride and unease — and the responsibility of communal institutions to help shape a resilient Jewish future.

Coming Together to Protect our Communities

Wednesday, May 27

Hundreds of Jewish leaders gathered on Capitol Hill for The Jewish Federations of North America’s Security Fly-In, sharing deeply personal stories about rising antisemitism and advocating for stronger protections to ensure Jewish communities can gather openly and safely.

Building a Community Where Differences Are the Glue, Not the Wedge

Tuesday, May 26

Over four months, 22 local leaders came together through the Courageous Leadership Fellowship to strengthen empathy, respect, and constructive dialogue across the Jewish community, exploring how courageous leadership and meaningful conversation can help build a stronger, more inclusive future.